Mission

The mission of MasterWorx Theater is to provide adults and children in Central Virginia with wholesome theatrical performance and educational opportunities. MasterWorx is committed to honoring Christ, building character, and enriching our community through quality theater arts education and productions. We will do this through affordable workshops for all ages, production and performance of family friendly material, and community enrichment opportunities.

Our Story

About 10 years ago, Denise Thomas began to daydream about a community theater organization that would stage family-friendly shows, ones which children and parents would enjoy attending and participating in together. In the summer of 2014, Michelle Velastegui shared her dream to provide performance opportunities for teens and young adults. As Denise and Michelle talked about their visions, the two blended together to become what is now MasterWorx Theater. A terrific group of community theater enthusiasts make up the board, and together they are all excited to be on this adventure.

Meet our team

MICHELLE VELASTEGUI

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Michelle directs, costumes, and produces many productions for Masterworx, local schools, and the community. She spent 10 years building the summer youth theatre program ENCORE, and the Performing Arts Class at the Academy Center of the Arts. She is a teacher, director, choreographer, and costumer for our community. (Read more about Michelle.)

DENISE THOMAS

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Denise has a BA in Theatre and an MA in Communication. She is a professor of speech communication and coaches the forensics (speech competition) Team at Liberty University. (Read more about Denise.)

DEBORAH WARE

Photographer

Deborah Ware moved to Lynchburg in 2016 with her husband, Jay, and their three children. She has a passion for the arts and the community. She is thrilled to be able to support Masterworx through her business, Deborah Ware Photography, to capture images on and off the stage. When she’s not homeschooling her children, you can find her behind the camera at various venues around Lynchburg.

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors consists of members of the Central Virginia Community who support the mission of the organization and contribute from their own professional skills and experience.

Don Brooks – builder, actor
Sara Burton – educator, musician, designer
Scott Ehrhorn – educator, businessman
Ted Kraje – engineer, performer, clown​
Karl Lindevaldsen – performer, educator
Deborah Ware – photographer
Timmy Williamson – minister, actor, music artist, director
Jeff Wittman – educator, actor, director
Loretta Wittman – educator, choreographer, actor